Finding Treasures in the Script

by Jana Wilhite

Finding Treasures in the Script

By Jana Wilhite

Unit Objective:

Students will be able to demonstrate understanding of script analysis by analyzing scripts together and presenting one of three possible analysis options: a set design, a monologue cutting, or blocking a beat of action.

Learning Level:

Advanced; 80-minute class periods

Prior Experience:

Students have recently worked on cutting monologues, and this unit is preparing them for a later directing unit. They are an advanced class, and they are expected to do work outside of class. Their only script analysis experience comes from character work.

2014 National Standards

TH:Cr2.1.HSIII

Develop and synthesize original ideas in a drama/theatre work utilizing critical analysis, historical and cultural context, research, and western or non-western theatre traditions.

TH:Re7.1.HSIII

Use historical and cultural context to structure and justify personal responses to a drama/theatre work.

TH:Re8.1.HSIII

Use detailed supporting evidence and appropriate criteria to revise personal work and interpret the work of others when participating in or observing a drama/ theatre work.

Support and explain aesthetics, preferences, and beliefs to create a context for critical research that informs artistic decisions in a drama/theatre work.

TH:Re9.1.HSIII

Research and synthesize cultural and historical information related to a drama/theatre work to support or evaluate artistic choices.

Compare and debate the connection between a drama/theatre work and contemporary issues that may impact audiences.

TH:Cn11.2.HSIII

Justify the creative choices made in a devised or scripted drama/theatre work, based on a critical interpretation of specific data from theatre research

Big Idea:

Critical Thinking

Essential Questions:

What can you learn about characters from text?

How much information can you learn from subtext?

How do social circumstances affect the way we perceive text?

Key Knowledge and Skills:

Close reading can help you find useful hidden information.

There are many ways to be true to a text.

Theatre artists must also use clever reading tactics to discover character, conflict, and structural information in a script.

Authentic Performance Tasks:

Analyze a script as a class.

Analyze a script in teams.

Students may choose to cut a monologue, direct a beat, or design a set piece from second script.

Objective: Students will be able to demonstrate understanding of character analysis by creating a character map and discussing character with a partner. Students will also be able to demonstrate understanding of script analysis by creating a design for a production as a group.